Hat pressing apparatus



Jan. 6, 1953 x. H. VICKERS ET AL 2,624;495

HAT PRESSING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 8, 1949 2 SI-IEETS-SHEET 1 3nventors17 1/5725; 15. Vic/ 6M? 5 0 5% Ge r ge M. Pic/(as Jan; 6, 1953 H.VICKERS ET AL HAT PRESSING APPARATUS 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Sept. 8,1949 (Ittornegs Patented Jan. 6, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HATPRESSING APPARATUS Delaware Application September 8, 1949, Serial No.114,594

17 Claims.

This invention relates to hat presses.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved semi-automaticpower-operated hat press which quickly and efliciently shapes andpresses a hat body, and provides an improved, consistently uniformpressing thereof at all times.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved hat press asabove, which is simple in construction and economical to fabricate, andreliable in operation.

Each of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, by whichthese objects are accomplished, comprises a mould for a hat body, and acooperable pressing head having an inflatable rubber bag shaped to bereceived by the mould. The mould and pressing head are mounted forpositioning either apart from each other whereby ahat body may be placedin or removed from said mould, or close together whereby they maycooperate with each other to press the hat body. Power-operated meansare provided, triggered either by manually-effected movement of the hatmould from a loading and unloading position to the operating station, asillustrated in one embodiment, or merely by a push button switch asdisclosed in another embodiment for automatically carrying out apressing cycle wherein the mould and pressing head are brought togetherand held so for a predetermined interval of time and the rubber baginflated under sufiicient pressure to press a hat body carried in themould, the bag being then deflated and the head separated from themould, and wherein at some predetermined time during said pressinginterval the bag is automatically momentarily deflated and the headmomentarily separated from the mould to effect a desirable, controlledbumping of the hat body, 1. e. allowing the escape of moisturetherefrom. By this organization the bumping of the hat body isaccurately and reliably provided for during each pressing operation, anda close regulation may be had of the time interval, pressures employed,etc. whereby desirable efliciency and uniformity of the pressingoperation is accomplished.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved semi-automatichat press arranged to automatically bump a hat body during the pressingoperation, wherein the actuation'of the pressing head and inflation ofthe rubber bag are effected from the same power source.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an improved hat pressapparatus made accord- 2 ing to the invention, the frame of theapparatus not being shown.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an improved hat pressconstituting another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the hat press shown in Fig. 2,and

Fig. 4 is a chart showing the operations of the parts of the hat pressof Figs. 2 and 3 during a single cycle.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a hat mould III having the usualsaddle H, and a pressing head l2 provided with an inflatable rubber bagl3. The mould I0 is movably mounted by means of wheels I4 and a trackI5, and may be positioned at two different locations, at a loading andunloading station shown in the figure, and at an operating station thelocation of which is generally indicated by an arrow I6.

The tracks I 5 have depressions I I in which the Wheels M of the mouldIll may rest when the mould is at the operating station, whereby themould is accurately positioned and yieldably retained in this position.

The pressing head I2 is provided with bearing sleeves I8 whereby it maybe slidably carried on vertical bars I9 connected in predeterminedrelation with the tracks l5, thereby to enable the head to occupy araised or retracted position as shown in the figure, or a loweredposition at the operating station I6.

In accordance with the invention power-operated means are provided,triggered by movement of the mould II] from the loading position showntoward the operating station I5, for automatically carrying out apressing cycle wherein the pressing head I2 is lowered and held for apredetermined interval of time in cooperable relation to the mould II)while both are at the operating station It, and the rubber bag I3inflated under suflicient pressure to press a hat body carried in themould. The pressing cycle is terminated by deflation of the bag I3 andraising of the pressing head I2 whereupon the mould it may be returnedto the loading position shown for removal of the pressed hat body.

The present invention provides for a desirable, automatic release ofmoisture, generated in the hat body being pressed, during the pressingoperation, and in accomplishing this the bag I3 is automaticallymomentarily deflated and the head I2 momentarily raised and separatedfrom the mould at a predetermined time during the pressing cycle. Oncethe said cycle has been initiated it is automatically carried out tocompletion and the pressing time and pressures and bumping of 3 the hatbody closely controlled, whereby a highly desirable, uniformly eflicientpressing of the hat body is effected. Moreover, by the presentinvention, the power required to actuate the pressing head i2 and alsoto inflate the rubber bag l3 may be derived solely from a single source.

In accomplishing the above, a source of fluid under pressure isprovided, which may comprise a tank havin an outlet pipe 2| connectedwith a pump 22 which in turn feeds into a pipe 23 joined to a manifold24.

From the manifold 24 a pipe 25 leads to a valve 25 having a plunger 21and an outlet through a pipe 28 which connects with the interior of thepressing head I 2 whereby fluid under pressure may be fed to the head toinflate the rubber bag |3. with a pipe 29 which is joined to the storagetank 20, and it will be understood from an inspection.

f the figure that when the valve 26 is in the position shown, fluidpressure is relieved fromthe water bag l3 and fluid may flow therefromthrough the pipes 28, 29 to the tank2fl. If the plunger 21 of the valve25 should be raised, it will cut off communication to the pipe 29, andwill enable the pipes 25 and 28 to communicate with each other wherebyfluid will be forced into the bag |3 and cause inflation thereof.

Raising and lowering of the pressing head |2 is accomplished byactuation of valves-.30 and-3| respectively, said valves havingintake'ports connected with pipes 32 and 33 which are joined to themanifold 24. The valves and 3| respectively have outlet ports connectedwith pipes 34 and 35 which respectively connect with opposite ends of acylinder 35 pivotally mounted on a frame member F1 and carrying a piston31.

The valves 3|] and 3| also have outlet ports connected with pipes 38 and39 which are in'turn connected with a manifold 40 joined to the pipe 29leading to the tank 29.

The valves 30 and 3| have plungers 4| and 42 respectively, and when saidplungers are in the positions shown fluid under pressure will exist inthe pipes 32 and 34, and in the cylinder 3|i'so as to maintain thepiston 31 in the raised position indicated. If the valve plungers 4| and42 should be raised, the pipe 34 will be made to communicate with thepipe 38 whereby fluid may flow out of the lower portion of the cylinder36-through the said pipes, and through thepipes 40 and 29 to the storagetank 20. At the same time, fluid under pressure from the pump 22 willflow through the pipes 33 and 35 and into the upper end of the cylinder35, and will force the piston 3'! downward to a lowered position in thecylinder.-

Movements of the piston 31 are utilized to shift the pressing head- I2between its raised. position shown and its lowered position attheoperating station I5. connected with a piston rod43 which ispivotally joined to one arm of a bell crank carried bya frame member F2;the other arm of the crank is pivotally connected byalink 45 to thepressing head l2.

In accordance with the invention'meansare provided for automaticallyactuating the valves The valve 25 has a second outlet connected,

To accomplish this, the piston,3| is For controlling the solenoids 46,4'! and 48 three single pole, single throw switches 5|, 52 and 53, whichmay be microswitches are provided, arranged in a bank and having camportions 5| a, 52a and 53a arranged to be actuated by lugs orprojections 54, 55, 56 and 51 provided on disks 58, 59 and 50 rigidlysecured to a common shaft 6 I. A mechanical drive is provided, indicatedby the broken line 52, between the shaft SI and an electric motor 63whereby the disks 53, 59 and 60 may be rotated clockwise as indicated bythe arrow. A releasable friction clutch (not shown) may be provided inthe drive between the motor 63. and the disks 58, 59 and 60, and ahelical coil spring 64 may be carried by the shaft El and anchored tothe disks at 65, the other end 66 of the spring being anchored to aframe member of the apparatus (not shown). The spring 64 is adapted toyieldably oppose the clockwise movement of the said disks; By thisorganization, when the mechanical drive between the shaft 6| and themotor (53 is disconnected by the friction clutch mentioned, the spring64 may function to return the disks to a starting position, such as. forexample the position shown in the figure.

The control organization is completed by a pair of limit switches 67 and68 actuated respectively by the pressing head I 2 and the hat mould H).The switch 68 is closed by engagement with a pivoted arm 59 which isnormally urged to the position shown by spring 59a and is rigid with asecond pivoted arm 10 connected to a link 1| having an upwardlyextending projection 12 adapted to be engaged'by a-depending lug 13 onthe underside of the mould ID. The adjustment is such that the switch 58will be closed when the mould l0 reaches the operating station H5.

The switch 61 is a normally open switch and has an arm '.'4 engaged by alug 15 carried by the bearing sleeves I8 which mount the pressing head|2, the adjustment being such that the switch 51 will be closed when thehead reaches its lowermost position at the operating station |6 where itis cooperable with the mould l0.

Connections between the switches and solenoids described above are asfollows. From one of the supply terminals 50 a wire '16 leads to theswitch 68; a wire 11 connects the other terminal of theswitch to the camswitch 5|. The other terminal of the switch 5| is connected by a wire 18with a terminal of the switch 52, and by a wire 19 with one terminal ofthe motor 63 the other terminal of which is connected by a wire 88 tothe wire 49. The remaining terminal of the switch 52 is connected by awire 8| with one terminal of the switch 53 and by wires 82 and 83 to theremaining terminals of the solenoids 45 and 41. The remaining terminalofv the switch 53 is connected by awire B4with the switch 61, and theremaining terminal of the latter connectedrby a wire 85 with theremaining terminal of the solenoid 48.

Considering the arrangement of the lugs 54, 55, 5B and 51 on the disks58, 59 and 60, a preferred relationshipis that shownwherein for auniform speed of ,-rotation of the disks the width of the lug 54willbeapproximately equal to A of the arc of the disk 59 disposedbetween the said lug and the camming portion 52a of the switch 52. Alsothe width of the lug 54 will be approximately /8 of the arc of the disk59 disposed between the said lug and dot-and-dash line 86 projected fromthe foremost or leading edge 57a of the lug 51. The speed of travel ofthe disks 58, 59 and '60 is preferably such that one minute will elapsebefore the lug 55 begins to engage the cam portion 53a of the switch 53;also such that the camming portions 52a and 53a of the switches will beengaged by the lugs 54 and 55 respectively for an interval ofapproximately seconds and thereafter an interval of two minutes willensue before the leading edge 51a of the lug 51 engages the cammingportion 53a of the switch 53. Cycles having other sequential periods maybe provided as required.

It will be understood that the switch 98 acts as a master switch for thecontrol device; also. that when the switches 68, 5| and 52 are closedthe solenoids 46 and 41 will be energized, causing the pressing head I2to be lowered. When these switches are opened, the said solenoids willbe deenergized, resulting in the pressing head I2 being raised.Moreover, when the switche 68, 5!, 52, 53 and 61 are closed the solenoid48 will be energized causing the rubber bag I3 to be inflated, andwhenever any of these switches is opened, the solenoid will bedeenergized resulting in deflation of the bag I3. Normally suchdeflation is accomplished solely by the opening of the switch 53 duringthe normal operation of the apparatus, inasmuch as the leading edges 55aand 51a of the lugs 55 and 51 are positioned slightly ahead of theleading edges 54a and 56a of the lugs 54 and 56 respectively.

Operation of the hat press apparatus of the invention is as follows:With the various parts in the at rest" positions shown, a hat body isplaced in the mould Ill. The mould is then manually pushed inwardly orto the right as viewed in the figure, the wheels I4 of the mould comingto rest in the depressions I I of the tracks. By this operation, theswitch 68 will have been closed, thereby energizing the motor 63 anddriving the disks 58, 59 and 60 in a clockwise direction. The closing ofthe switch 68 will also result in energization of the solenoids 46 and41, and

actuation of the valves 30 and 3|. This will re-' sult in the pressinghead I2 being lowered, and

as said head reaches the operating station I5 wherein it is cooperablewith the mould II] the switch '61 will be closed. This will result inenergization of the solenoid 48 and actuation of the valve 25 wherebyfluid under pressure is supplied to the inside of the rubber bag I3,inflating the latter. The disks 58, 59 and 50 will rotate slowly in aclockwise direction for approximately one minute, whereupon the lug 55will first actuate the switch 53 to open the same and then the lug 54will open the switch 52. Opening of the switch 53 will deenergize thesolenoid 48 and result in actuation of the valve 26 to cause deflationof the rubber bag I3. Immediately following this the opening of theswitch 52 will cause deenergization of the solenoids 4-5 and 41 andactuation of the valves 39 and 3I whereby the pressing head I2 will beraised. Momentary raising of the pressing head is termed bumping, and isfor the purpose of allowing moisture to escape from the hat body beingpressed in the mould I9. Continued rotation of the disks 5'8, 59 and 69will result in, after an interval of 15 seconds approximately, the lugs54 and 55 leaving the camming portions 52a and 53a of the switcheswhereupon the latter will be again closed. This will cause the pressinghead I2 to be lowered and cause the rubber bag It to be again inflated.As the disks continue to rotate an interval of approximately two minuteswill elapse, during which pressing of the hat body in the mould III iscontinued. After this two-minute interval, the lugs 51 and 56 6. (in theorder named) will engage the camming portions 53a and 52a of theswitches, first releasing pressure from the rubber bag I3 and then againraising the pressing head I2. After this has occurred, a declutching ofthe drive between the shaft BI and the motor 53 may be effected in anysuitable manner, whereby the sprin '64 will automatically return thedisks 58, 59 and 60 to the position shown, as determined by suitablestops (not shown).

The hat mould I0 may now be manually pulled forward to the positionshown, to remove the pressed hat body.

According to the' above organization a quick and efficient pressing ofhat bodies may be readily accomplished, without requiring skill on thepart of the operator. The pressing time and pressures may be closelycontrolled and regulated; and the bumping operation whereby moisture isallowed to escape from the hat body may be reliably provided for andaccurately controlled as to its duration. The structure by which theabove is automatically accomplished is relatively simple and economicalto fabricate, and is reliable in operation whereby a distinctimprovement is eifected in the art of pressing hat bodies.

Another embodiment of the invention i illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.In this embodiment the positions of the hat mould and pressing head areopposite to those previously described, the mould 81 shown in Fig. 2being uppermost and pressing head 89 being below the mould and carriedon a ram 89 which is vertically movable on guides 90 of the hat press.

The control mechanism of this embodiment o the invention is alsodifferent in that it mainly involves cam-operated hydraulic valves,there being but a single relay device in the control, incontradistinction to the previously described control whereincam-operated switches and solenoidoperated valves were utilized.

As seen in Fig. 2, the ram 89 has a plunger or piston 9I movable in ahydraulic cylinder 92 connected by a pipe line 93 with a valve head 94which carries valves 95, 95, 91 and 98 operated by cams 99, I99, SM andI02 respectively the cams being carried on a cam shaft I 93. The shaftI93 may have a hand wheel I94 for hand operation, but preferably isdriven by means of a sprocket wheel I05 and chain I95, and by a sprocketwheel IBI of a motor unit I98.

The valve head 94 includes ball-check valves I99 and. III] respectivelyconnected by passages H191: and I Illa with the valves and 91, andincludes passages II I, H2, and H3, respectively connecting the valvesof the pairs 95 and I09, 99 and 91, and I I0 and 98.

The pipe line 93 connects with the passage I I I, and a discharge pipeline I I4 leads from the valve 95 to a fluid supply tank I I5. A branchpipe line IIG leads from the valve 98 and joins with the pipe line H4.From the tank H5 a pipe line H! is extended, having a motor-driven pumpIIB interposed in it, the pipe II'I connecting with the passage II2 ofthe valve head 94. A relief valve H9 is connected between the pipe linesH4 and I I! as shown, for purposes which are well understood. From thepassage II3 a pipe line I29 extends to the pressing head 89, the linehaving branches I2I and I22 passing through reducing valves I23 and I24and connecting with the body portion I25 and rim portion I26 of thepressing head. Preferably the said head is formed of resilientexpansible material such as rubber.

The valve head 94 and valve mechanism assoscribed. constitute part ofthe automatic control:

for. operating the pressing head 88;: This control further comprises alimit switch. I21 carriedby the mould. 8! and actuated .by the ramg89when the latter is in raised position, and. comprises switches I28 andI29 actuated respectively by cams I30 and I3I carried on' the shaft I03-The electrical circuit diagram of the improved hat press shown in Fig.2.is.il1ustra-ted in Fig-.3. In this diagram an electrical relay I32 isshown, having normally closed contacts I33 and I34, and normally opencontacts I35 and. I36.' The relay I32 has a coil I31 connected by a WireI38 with a supply wire I39 which latter has a counterpart supply wireI40 connected by wires HI and I42 respectively to the relay contacts I33and- I35. The other end of the relay coil I3? is connected to a-wire I43which connects with a starting push button switch I44 connected to thesupply wire I40. The wire I43 also connects with the switch I28 actuatedby the cam I30, the said switch in turn being connected by a wire I45with the motor unit I08 which is connected by a wire I46 with the supplywire I39. The relay contacts I34 and I36 are connected with the switchesI28and. I21 to place these in multiple, and a wireI41 connects the wireI45 with the relay contact I36.

Operation of the device shown in Figsp2and 3 is clearly illustrated bythe operation chart shown in Fig. l. In this chart'the latters indicateopen and the letters 0' indicated .closed. When the device is at restthe parts are in the positions indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, and the at-'rest'position in the chart of Fig. 4 shows that the switches I44, I29and I21, and thevalves 95 and .98 are all open, and that the switch I28is closed, as well as the valves 95 and 91. To start the device, thepush button switch I44 is closed momentarily as indicated in. thestart'zone of the chart. Upon this occurring, the relay armature 132a,Fig. 3, will be pulled down, opening the contacts I33 and I34 andclosing the contacts I35 and I36. The motor I08 will be energized, andthe various cams and the cam shaft I03 will rotate. Closing of thecircuit between the contacts I35 and I36 will institute a holdingaction, causing the relay I32 to remain energized after the.

pushbutton switch I44 has been released.

The cams 99, I00, IOI, I02,: I30 and I3I are so shaped and arranged thatthe following sequence ofoperations takes place: Shortly after the camshaft I03 has started to rotate, the cams'99 and I00 will respectivelyclose and open the valves 95 and 95. This will cause hydraulic fluid toenter the pipe 93, and consequently the cylinder 92, and will raise thepiston 9| and the ram. 89, to gether with the pressing head 88. Itwill'be understood that previous to starting the operation of the press,a hat body which is to be pressed will have been placed over thepressing head 88. As the ram starts to ascend, the continued rotation ofthe cams and shaft I03 will result'in the switch I28 being opened, andthis will deenergize the relay I32 and halt the motor I08, stoppingfurther rotation of the cams and the cam shaft.

The ram 89 however continues to ascend, and when it reaches itsuppermost position it will actuate the limit switch I27, closing thesame and. thereby causing the motor unit I08 to be reenergized .andtodrive the cams and the cam shaft ":3. After a short interval of rotation.of the cams and cam shaft, the switch I29 will be closed by the camI3I, and at the same time the valves 952ml 90 will be closed by thecams.I00:and- I02.

Closingofqthe, switch; I29 will not at-thistime.

affect, anything since thisswitch is in parallel.

with-the switch I21 already closed. Closing of theivalve 96 will shutoff pressure from the cylinder 92, and closing of the valve 98 willprevent any-venting ofiluid through the discharge pipe IIS. As the camsand cam shaft continue to rotate the valve 9'! Will'be opened,and-hydraulic fluid will be conducted through the pipe I20 and branchesI2! and I22, and inflate-the pressing head 88. This corresponds with thezone labeled apply'pressure shown. in the chart and continued rotationof the'cams and shaft I03 will then 'result in the valves 91 and 98being respectively closed and. opened, causing a releaseof pressure fromthe pressing head 83. Further rotation of the cams will cause the switchI21 and the valve 95 both to be opened. Openin of the switch I2! doesnot'cause anything to happen at'this time since the-parallel-connectedswitch I29 remains closed. Opening of the valve 95 enableshydraulic-fiuid to be discharged through the pipe II4-from the cylinder92, and enables the ram-89 to be lowered. This action effects thebumping operation and enables moisture to be released from: the hat bodybeing pressed. Furtherrotation of the cams causes the valves 95 and 93to berespectively closed and opened, thereby again raising the ram; andduring this raising the cam opens the switch I 29, resulting in astopping of the motor I09 and the cams and camshaft I03. As the ram 89reaches its uppermostposition it closes the switch I 21, causing themotor :IEPB to be again energized and to drive the cams and the camshaft I03. Further rotation of. the cams causes the switch I23 and thevalves 96 and'98 to be closed. Closing of the switch I29 does nothing,since the switch I21 is already closed. Closing of the valves 96 and 98respectivelyremoves pressure from the cylinder 92 and closes the'ventthrough the pipe I IB.- Further rotation of the cams results in thevalve 9'! being opened;-whereupon pressure is applied through the pipeI20 to the pressinghead 88. This corresponds to the secondapply'pressure zone in the chart. As the cams continue to rotate, thevalves 9land-9B will be respectively closed and opened, releasingpressure from the pressing head, and thereafter the switch I27 and thevalve will be opened, the latter enabling the ram to be lowered andtheswitch I27 not affecting anything sinceswitch I29 is still closed.Further rotation of the cams causes the'switch I29 tobe opened, haltingthe cams,:and immediately prior to the latter being halted the switchI28 is closed, by virtue of the inertia of the-parts causing the cams tocontinue moving for a'short interval of time. This will result in thedevice coming to a halt Wit'h'th ram 89 lowered, whereupon the hat bodywhich was pressed may be removed from the device and another hat bodyapplied, for a repetition of the cycle just described.

By the above apparatus and organization we have found that hat bodiesmay be very quickly and effectively'automatically pressed, withoutrequiring any skill on the part of an operator, and that extremelyuniform pressing of the hat bodies is accomplished in a minimum of time.The apparatus is relatively simple and inexpensive to fabricate, and isfool-proof and reliable in its operation.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claimsand portions of the improvements may be usedwithout others.-

We claimi Y 1. A hat press comprising a mould movable between aninoperative position and a operating station; a pressing head includin amember movable in response to fluid pressure, cooperable with saidmould; power-operated means for bringing together and separating saidhead and mould at said operating station; power-operated means providingfluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operableto relieve said fluid pressure; automatic control means including acontroller for each power-operated means and means operating saidcontrollers in a predetermined sequence for operating both saidpower-operated means in a cycle whereby the pressing head and mould areheld together at said operating station during consecutive predeterminedintervals and fluid under pressure is applied -to said member, to movethe same toward the mould and whereby the head and mould are held apartin the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from saidmember; and means for initiating said cycle automatically in response tomovement of said mould from inoperative position to said operatingstation.

2. A hat press comprisin a mould; a pressing head including a rubberbag, cooperable with said mould; power-operated means for bringingtogether and separating said head and mould; power-operated means forintroducing fluid under pressure into said bag and ventingthe latter;and automatic control means for operating both said power-operated meansin a cycle whereby the pressing head and mould are held together duringconsecutive predetermined intervals and fluid pressure is exerted on theinside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould are held apart in theintervening time and the bag vented, said control means including avalve connected to said second power-operated means and controlling theflow of fluid to the bag, and including a solenoid for opening the valveand a pair of switches all connected in a series circuit, both of saidswitches remaining closed when the head and mould are together, andremaining open when the head and mould are separated whereby accidentalover-expansion and rupture of the bag are prevented.

3. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; meansmounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or ata point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable inresponse to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; meansmounting said head for positioning either at said operating station orat a second point remote therefrom; a pair of switches respectivelyoperated by the mould and head in their movements to and from saidstation; means controlled by said switches, supplying fluid underpressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at saidstation; means controlled by the mould switch, for automatically movingthe pressing head to the operating station in response to movement ofthe mould to said station; and means automatically operative at apredetermined time after operation of said preceding means, foractuating the head moving means to momentarily move the pressing headaway from the station, and then return it to said station, thereby toprovide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in themould.

4. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; meansmounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or apoint remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable inresponse to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; meansmounting said head for positioning either at said operating station orat a second point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressureto said member only when both the mould and head are at said station;means for automatically moving the pressing head to the operatingstation in response to movement of the mould to said station; and meansautomatically operative at a predetermined time after operation of saidpreceding means, for actuating the head moving means to momentarily movethe pressing head away from the station, and then return it to saidstation, thereby to provide for escape of moisture from a hat body beingpressed in the mould.

5. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; meansmounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or apoint remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable inresponse to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; meansmounting said head for positioning either at said operating station orat a second point remote therefrom; a pair of switches respectivelyoperated by the mould and head in their movements to and from saidstation; means including a solenoid valve controlled by said switches,and including a pump supplying fluid under pressure to said member onlywhen both the mould and head are at said station; means including asolenoid valve controlled by the mould switch, and including a fluidoperated piston and cylinder means connected with the pump forautomatically moving the pressing head to the operating station inresponse to movement of the mould to said station; and meansautomatically operative at a predetermined time after operation of saidpreceding means, for momentarily reversing the operation of the pistonand cylinder means to and then again reversing the piston and cylindermove the pressing head away from the station, and then again reversingthe piston and cylinder means to return it to said station, thereby toprovide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in themould.

6. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; meansmounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or apoint remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable inresponse to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; meansmounting said head for positioning either at said operating station orat a second point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressureto said member only when both the mould and head are at said station;and means automatically operative at a predetermined time after themould and pressing head are brought together, for actuating the headmoving means to momentarily move the pressing head away from thestation, and then return it to said station, thereby to provide forescape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in the mould.

7. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; meansmounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or apoint remote therefrom; a pressing head including a rubber baginflatable by fluid under pressure and cooperable with said mould; meansmounting said head for movement to po- Ease-9,495

.sitions either at said operating: stationhorcat' a second point remotetherefrom; means supplying fluid under pressure to saidbagronly. whenboth the mould and head are at.saidstationlandtogether; and meansautomaticallyv operative at a predetermined timeafter themouldandpressing head are brought together, for :actuatingL-the means supplyingfluid to the bag to first remove fluid pressure from the bagand thenmomentarily actuate the head'moving means tomove' the pressing head awayfrom the station and for thereafter returningsaid-head to said: stationand then actuating the meanssupplyinglifluid to the bag to againinflate-saidbag, -thereby to provide for escape-of moisturefromca hatbody being pressed in the mould.

8. A hat press comprising a mouldadapted'to receive a hat body; meansmounting-.theumould for positioning eitherat an operating stationor apoint remote therefrom; a pressing head ineluding a member movableuinresponse to fluid pressure and cooperable with saidimould; meansmounting said head for positioning eitheinat said operating station orat a secondl'point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid underpressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at saidstation; means for automatically moving the pressing head to theoperating station in response to movement of' the mould to said stationand for thereafter separating the pressing head from the mould after theelapse of a predetermined interval of time; and means automaticallyoperative at a predetermined time in said interval, for momentarilyactuating the head moving means to move the pressing head away from thestation, and then returning it to said station, thereby to provide'forescape of moisture from a hat body being. pressed'inlthe mould.

9. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; apressing head includinga member movable in response to fluid pressure;power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head andmould power-operated means providing fluid under pressure formoving saidmember, said means beingoperable to relieve said fluid pressure; meansincluding a plurality of cams connected together to operatesimultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according to apredeterminedplan; driving means for said cams; and automatic meanscontrolling said driving means throughout-apiedetermined cycle includingan electric circuit having a manually controlled starting switch and asecond switch actuated by movementof the pressing head into pressingrelation whereby the cams are driven through a cycle to cause'thepressing head and mould to be brought together and maintained togetherduring consecutive predetermined intervals and'fluid'under pressure tobe applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and tocause the' head and mould to be separated and held apart in theintervening time and the fluid pressure tobe relieved from said member.

10. A hat press comprising-a mould adapted to receive a hat body; apressing head including a member movable in response to fluid' pressure;power-operated means for bringing together and separating said headandmould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for movingsaid member, said means being operable torelieve said fluid pressure;means including a plurality of cams connected together tooperate'simultaneously and including valves'actu'ated by said cams, forcontrolling said'power-operated means according to apredetermined'plany;driv- -ing:means for saidcams; andautomatic meansincluding a limit switch actuated by said mould and head, controllingsaid driving means to move the cams throughout a predetermined cycle tocause the-pressing head and mould to be brought together and maintainedtogether during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid underpressure is applied to said member to move the same toward the mould,and to cause the head and mould to be separated and held apart in theintervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member.

11. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; apressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure;power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head andmould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for movingsaid member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure;means including a plurality of cams connected together to operatesimultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according to apredetermined plan; an electric motor driving said cams; and automaticmeans including an electric circuit for said motor controlling saiddriving means throughout a predetermined cycle Whereby'the pressing headand mould are brought together andmaintained together during consecutivepredetermined intervals and'fluid under pressure is applied to saidmember to move the same toward the mould, and whereby the head and mouldare separated and held apart in .the intervening time and the 'fluidpressure is relieved from said member, said automatic means including arestart device in said electric circuit for said driving means, madeoperative when the head and mould are together, and including meanshalting said driving means and cams in those parts of said cycle duringwhich the head and mould arebeing brought together.

12. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; apressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure;power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head andmould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure'for movingsaid member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure;means including a plurality of cams'connected together to operatesimultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according'to apredetermined plan; electrical driving means for said cams; andautomatic means controlling said drivingmeans"th1'oughout apredetermined cycle whereby the pressing head andmould'are broughttogether and maintained together during consecutive predeterminedintervals and fluid under' pressure is applied to said member to movethe same toward the mould, and whereby the head and mould are separatedand held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure isrelieved from said member, said automatic means including arelayhavingnormallyclosed circuit contacts, and including a pairof'shunt-connectedswitches inseries with said relay contacts,'oneofsaidswitches being controlled by relative movements of the mouldand'pressing head and the other switch being controlled by one of saidcams, and said switches and contacts being connected to controlsaid'driving means.

13. A hat press'comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; apressing head including a'member movable'in response to fluid pressure;power-operated means for bringing together and 13 separating said neadand mould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure formoving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluidpressure; means including a plurality of cams connected together tooperate simultaneously, for controlling said poweroperated meansaccording to a predetermined plan; electrical driving means for saidcams; and automatic means controlling said driving means throughout apredetermined cycle whereby the pressing head and mould are broughttogether and maintained together during consecutive predeterminedintervals and fluid under pressure is applied to said member to move thesame toward the mould, and whereby the head and mould are separated andheld apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relievedfrom said member, said automatic means including a relay having normallyclosed circuit contacts, including a relay-control switch operated byone of said cams, and including a pair of shunt-connected switches inseries with said relay contacts, one of said switches being controlledby relative movements or" the mould and pressing head and the otherswitch being controlled by one of said cams, and said switches andcontacts being connected to control said driving means.

14. The invention as defined in claim 11, in which the driving means iselectrically powered, in which the means halting the driving meansincludes a switch operated by one of said cams, and in which saidrestart device includes a second switch in parallel with said firstswitch.

15. A hat press comprising a mould; a pressing head including a membermovable in response to fluid pressure, cooperable with said mould;power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head andmould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for movingsaid member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure;and automatic control means for operating both said power-operated meansin a cycle, said automatic control means including a control deviceactuated incident to the closing of the head and mould in pressingrelation, valve means connected to each of said power-operated means,and operating means for said valves actuated in a predetermined sequencewhereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutivepredetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid under pressureis applied to said member, to move the same toward the mould and wherebythe head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the fluidpressure is relieved from said member.

16. A hat press comprising a hat-supporting mould; a pressing headincluding a rubber bag, cooperable with said mould to press a hatcarried thereby; power-operated means for moving the pressing headtoward and away from the mould to insert and remove the bag from the hatduring a pressing cycle; power-operated means for introducing fluidunder pressure into said bag and venting the latter; and automaticcontrol means for operating both said poweroperated means in a cycleincluding an electrohydraulic system having switch means actuated by themovement of the pressing head into pressing relation with the mould,valve means connected to each of said power-operated means, andactuators for said valve means controlled by said switch means, wherebythe pressing head and mould are held together during consecutivepredetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid pressure isexerted on the inside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould areheld apart in the intervening time and the bag vented.

17. A hat press comprising a hat supporting mould; a pressing headincluding a rubber bag, cooperable with said mould; power-operated meansfor moving the pressing head toward and away from the mould to insertand remove the bag from the hat during a pressing cycle; poweroperatedmeans for introducing fluid under pressure into said bag and venting thelatter; and automatic control means for operating both saidpower-operated means in a cycle including an electrohydraulic systemhaving manually operated switch means to initiate said cycle, a secondswitch means actuated by the movement of the pressing head into pressingrelation with the mould, a plurality of valves connected to saidpower-operated means, and actuators for said valves operating in apredetermined sequence and controlled by said pair of switch meanswhereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutivepredetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid pressure isexerted on the inside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould areheld apart in the intervening time and the bag vented, said controlmeans providing for application of fluid under pressure to the bagsubsequent to the bringing together of the head and mould, and providingfor venting of the bag prior to separation of the head and mould.

IRVING H. VICKERS. GEORGE M. RICKUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,891,344 Casse Dec. 20, 19322,017,965 Hanney Oct. 22, 1935 2,258,954 Jensen Oct. 14, 1941 2,330,319Tornberg Sept. 28, 1943 2,480,960 Press Sept. 6, 1949

